"You want me to publicly back you?" Gu Sheng looked at Chief Secretary Walker in surprise.
"Fuck, your negotiations with the North are your business, whatever comes of them. You want me to stick my neck out now? Do you think I'm an idiot?"
Gu Sheng curled his lip, his face full of disdain.
"What am I supposed to do when you all just pack up and leave?"
Negotiations between England and the North had reached a deadlock, and the Brits had begun resorting to underhanded tactics.
First, they had incited some Hong Kong Island media outlets to publish commentary expressing distrust of the North, hoping to sway public opinion.
Many Hong Kong Island newspapers had been discussing the issue lately, and naturally, those who controlled the media had the loudest voices.
But Gu Sheng had stayed on the sidelines and taken no part whatsoever. Even the Oriental Daily and Tin Tin Daily, which he owned, carried on as usual without discussing any of it.
Next, senior British Hong Kong officials encouraged influential figures on Hong Kong Island to lobby and make public statements in support of England retaining administrative control over Hong Kong Island.
Among those influential figures, Gu Sheng ranked right at the top.
The Governor had originally intended to meet Gu Sheng himself, but after some consideration, he sent Chief Secretary Walker, who knew Gu Sheng relatively well, to sound him out.
"Mr. Gu, this territory is still under the Queen's rule, after all. Even if it is to return to Chinese sovereignty, under the agreement signed back then, that won't happen for another decade or more.
"As long as you're willing to come forward, Mr. Gu, the Governor and the Queen will certainly remember it. Just stand up and say a few words, and you'll be